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Birds--General/does my parakeet need to see a doctor?

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Expert: - 5/31/2007


Question
I got two parakeets about two or three days ago, a male and a female, and at first every thing seemed okay, but then the male one started to fluff his feathers and then shake like a wet dog would, and at first I thought he was just stretching but he kept doing it and then he began picking at his self and sneezing, but when he is in his cage he does it less frequently. I make sure he gets fresh food and water everyday, and I am not sure if it is bad thing if his droppings have been more slimy and wet, but I am really looking for an answer to help me out

Answer
Hi, Razi.

Your birds may need to see an avian veterinarian, but it's hard to say.  Since you just got these birds 2-3 days ago, they may be going through stress as a result of being moved to a new home.  The fluffing of feathers then shaking like a dog is a normal thing for parrots.  "Picking" at his self is known as preening, which is also normal.  Sneezing is only normal and good if the bird has something in its nostrils that needs to come out (like a seed hull or dust, etc.).  The slimy and wet droppings could be the result of stress.  Therefore, it's difficult to say right now whether your birds are suffering from the normal stress of being moved or if they are sick.  Keep a close eye on them for the next week or so.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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